Checklist: The 7 Essentials in a Man's Wardrobe

A White Dress Shirt

The crisper and whiter this dress shirt is, the better. It’s easy to layer and accessorize and goes with pretty much everything. This is a good staple for women, too. Make sure you keep your white dress shirt pressed and spotless because anything less will read sloppy.

Crew Neck Tee

In addition to a crisp, white dress shirt, make sure you’ve got several crew neck tees in your wardrobe, as well. Choose whatever colors you’re drawn to most. The more neutral (red, white, black, blue, brown), though, the easier they’ll be to style. Wear them under blazers, cardigans or even on their own.

Dark Denim Jeans

This is another wardrobe staple that works for both sexes. Dark denim jeans that fit impeccably are timeless and, again, easy to pair with whatever else is hanging in your closet. Don’t hesitate to invest in a quality pair — just make sure they’re not embellished, as trendy items don’t have as long of a shelf life.

Chino Pants

If you’re not wearing a pair of jeans, the Chino pants are likely going to be the next article of clothing you reach for when dressing yourself in the morning. They’re classy, timeless and neutral. In other words: they are versatile and easy to style.

Fitted Blazer

Like a fitted shirt or pair of jeans, a blazer is another one of those wardrobe staples you just can’t skip. Even if you’re unsure about how much wear it’ll get, give this one a chance, as its versatility may surprise you. You can wear it over that crisp tee or crew neck or you can even dress up a printed tee with it. Neutral colors and unembellished designs are your best bet when it comes to longevity.